Varietal:	Syrah
Appellation:	Sonoma Valley
Barrel Regime:	Aged 15 months in French oak
Winemakers:	Greg Stach
Bottling Date:	February 2011
Release Date:	Summer 2011
Production:	750
Alcohol:	14.3

Vineyard Notes

The Kivelstadt Vineyard has been farmed organically since it’s planting in 1999. The
nine acres has been cropped to an average of only about 2 tons per acre and produces a wine whose signature is a unique reflection of this favorable, cool climate site.

Winemaker Notes

There are four clonal selections in this ten acre site that sits on eastern side of Sonoma Mountain: Syrah Noir, Alban, Durrell and Bien Nacido. The soil is like a marble cake of red volcanic soil and decomposed volcanic ash. The grapes are hand harvested and primarily destemmed with a small amount of whole clusters going into 1 to 3 ton open –topped fermentors. The must was cold soaked for 5 days. A combination of punch downs and pump overs are utilized. The wine is pressed at dryness and put to barrel for 15 months.

Tasting Notes

Lavender and ripe stone fruits jump out of the glass. This is followed by notes of cocoa,
brambly fruit, dark chocolate and roasted meats. A smooth entry leads into depth and concentration on the
mid-palette. Fine tannins pull it all together with a lush lingering finish.

Suggested Food Pairing

This syrah will pair nicely with red meats or pastas where strong seasonings,
such as tomato, garlic and rosemary.

Press

June 1st, 2011

International Wine Cellar

POINTS

Opaque ruby. Moroccan spices and pepper accentuate dark berry preserves on the nose. Nicely focused and energetic syrah with good clarity to its blackberry and pepper flavors. Juicy, fresh and quite varietal in character. Finishes with broad, fine-grained tannins, solid grip and lingering smokiness.

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March 4th, 2011

Robert Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate

POINTS

The 2008 may be the finest example of this cuvee that Landmark has yet produced. (Its back label indicates it comes from the Kivelstadt Family Vineyard.) The dense purple-colored 2008 reveals a classic perfume of camphor, pepper, smoke meats, blackberry and cassis. More concentrated than previous versions, with supple tannins as well as abundant purity and richness, it represents a California version of a ripe, full-bodied Crozes-Hermitage from the northern Rhone Valley. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

February 11th, 2011

San Francisco Chronicle

Top 100 Wines of 2010

Violet-tinged nose of white pepper, deep blackberry and mace with a big knot of tannin and deep plummy fruit. Serious Syrah that's built to last.

Wine Spectator, March 2009

POINTS

Top 100 Wines of 2009 (#19) Shows loads of pepper, dark berry, teriyaki, mineral and spice. Intense, distinctive, full-bodied and focused, this is so complex and well-proportioned that all the flavors work together seamlessly. Drink now through 2015. - J.L.

February 1st, 2008

Wine & Spirits, February 2008

POINTS

2005 Steel Plow Syrah from The Kivelstadt Family Vineyard More meaty than fruity, this soft black wine slowly gains definition with tart black cherry flavor and a white pepper edge.